Victoria Police will have the power to conduct warrantless pat-downs, search vehicles, and move people on in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding areas for six months, a move criticised by human rights groups as a 'vast overreach'. The designated area, declared on Tuesday, includes the CBD, Docklands, Southbank, the sporting and entertainment precinct, and parts of East Melbourne and South Melbourne, effective from Sunday until 29 May 2026.
Under the Control of Weapons Act, police and protective service officers can randomly stop and search individuals without a warrant or reasonable grounds. Searches may involve electronic wands, pat-downs, and requests to remove outer clothing, headwear, scarves, or jackets, as well as items from bags or pockets. Vehicles are also subject to search. Police can require the removal of face coverings that could conceal identity or protect against crowd-control substances; refusal may result in being moved on.
Inner Melbourne Community Legal described the designation as unprecedented in geographic scope and duration. Chief executive Nadia Morales said it was 'complete overkill' and would unfairly impact minorities and vulnerable groups, including those experiencing poor mental health or homelessness. Sarah Schwartz of the Human Rights Law Centre warned that anyone in the CBD could be affected, potentially facing humiliation.
Victoria Police confirmed this is the first area to receive such a long-term declaration under recent legislative changes. A spokesperson said the measures are an 'invaluable tool' to remove weapons from streets amid rising knife crime. However, Liberty Victoria president Gemma Cafarella called it an 'abuse' of powers, noting that a March report found only 1% of warrantless searches in designated areas over two years yielded illicit items.
